What Is Associated Builders and Contractors?
Definition: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a U.S. national construction industry trade association, founded in 1950, that represents merit shop contractors and related firms. ABC operates through local chapters across the country and focuses on safety, workforce development, education, and advocacy for open competition in construction. A company listed with this qualification is a member of ABC.
ABC is built around the merit shop philosophy, the idea that construction contracts should be awarded based on merit and open competition, regardless of a company's labor affiliation. Most ABC members are open-shop contractors, and the association advocates for policies such as fair and open competition on public projects. Its members include general contractors, specialty trade contractors such as scaffold companies, suppliers, and associates.
For scaffold contractors, ABC membership offers access to programs that support safety and training. ABC's STEP Safety Management System helps members measure and improve their safety programs, and many chapters run craft training and apprenticeship programs, often using NCCER curricula. ABC also offers recognition programs such as its Accredited Quality Contractor designation and Excellence in Construction awards. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find ABC member scaffold companies for your project.
What ABC Membership Offers
Benefits vary by chapter and member type. ABC membership commonly provides access to the following.
STEP Safety Management System
A program that helps members benchmark and improve their safety performance using key components of a safety program.
Craft Training & Apprenticeship
Chapter-based craft training and apprenticeship programs, often using NCCER curricula and credentials.
Accredited Quality Contractor
A designation recognizing members that demonstrate commitment to safety, training, and quality.
Education & Networking
Management education, industry events, and networking through local chapters and national programs.
Merit Shop Advocacy
Advocacy for open competition and policies affecting merit shop contractors at the federal, state, and local levels.
When ABC Membership Matters
Owners and general contractors may look for ABC membership in situations such as the following.
Open-shop commercial projects
Industrial and manufacturing work
Contractor safety prequalification
General contractors that are ABC members
Projects valuing craft training credentials
Regional work through local chapters
Private development and institutional work
Competitive open-bid projects
How ABC Membership Compares to Other Qualifications
Association membership is one way to evaluate a scaffold provider. Here is how ABC compares to related memberships and qualifications.
Scaffold industry association
- Focused on scaffold and access
- SAIA University training
- Union and open-shop members
- Best for scaffold-specific expertise
Non-union scaffold contractor
- Hires and employs workers directly
- No union agreements
- Most ABC members are open shop
- Best for open-shop projects
Merit shop construction association
- National association with local chapters
- STEP safety and craft training
- Merit shop advocacy
- Best for open-shop construction networks
Credentialed scaffold crews
- Crews hold recognized certifications
- Training and experience documented
- Often earned through craft programs
- Best for verifying builder skill
Union scaffold contractor
- Signatory to union agreements
- Crews from union hiring halls
- Union apprenticeship training
- Best for union-required projects
Find ABC Member Scaffold Companies Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by qualification, and connect directly with scaffold contractors and suppliers that are members of Associated Builders and Contractors.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
Association membership does not change OSHA obligations. Under 29 CFR 1926.20, construction employers must initiate and maintain safety programs with frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment by competent persons. Programs such as ABC's STEP Safety Management System are designed to help contractors strengthen these programs and track performance, while scaffold-specific requirements in 1926.451 and training under 1926.454 still apply on every job.
- Written safety program in place
- Regular inspections by competent persons
- Scaffold training for all crews
- Safety performance tracked and reviewed
- Injury and illness records maintained
- Owner and GC safety requirements met
1926.20
General Safety and Health Provisions — U.S. Construction Regulations
OSHA Interpretations & Rulings →